The San Antonio Spurs are stepping into a transformative era with Mitch Johnson officially taking over the head coaching position from the legendary Gregg Popovich. After 29 successful seasons, Popovich will now focus on his duties as president of basketball operations following a recent stroke that affected his mobility. Johnson, who served as an assistant since 2019, led the team to a 34-48 record during Popovich's absence, showcasing his capability to steer the Spurs.

There's ongoing debate about whether Becky Hammon, who has made strides as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, should have been chosen for the role. Hammon has a notable history with the Spurs, making headlines as the first woman to serve as a head coach in the NBA Summer League and leading her current team to two championships. Charles Barkley has voiced support for female head coaches, particularly highlighting the potential of the Spurs' roster, which boasts exciting young talents like Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox.

LeBron James recently honored the legendary Gregg Popovich, who announced his retirement after decades of coaching the San Antonio Spurs. Under Popovich, the team secured five NBA championships, becoming a staple of success in the league. James reflected on their multiple encounters, including facing off in three NBA Finals, and the profound respect he has for Popovich as both a coach and a person. He shared how impactful it was to play under Popovich during the 2004 Olympics, describing him as a great guy and a significant figure in basketball history.

The Spurs will now be led by Mitch Johnson, who has been promoted to head coach. Johnson stepped in earlier this season when Popovich had to take a break due to health issues. He inherits a talented roster featuring emerging stars such as De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, which presents an exciting opportunity for the franchise moving forward.